September 15, 2019 by Brayden Silva
Are you tired of always removing your router from the router table each time you have to change a bit? You need to get yourself a router lift! With a router lift, you can make minor adjustments on the go without removing the router or reaching out to under the table.
A router lift is an extra router-plate designed to fit into the router. The lift comes with a grip-like carriage fixed onto the router. The detachable crank handles on the router the fits into the plate. The lift aids you get accurate readings while routing.
Thus, a router lift offers you versatile ways of using your router. You can seamlessly alter the height of your bits with better precision. With this advantage, you can now effectively route any material with more speed and less effort.
How do you pick out the best router lift for your routing tasks? We are here to help you! We tested dozens of routers and picked out the top five router lifts in the market. In this informative review, you will get learn all you need to know about these products to help you make the right decision when you invest in a router lift.
| Product Name | Dimensions (inches) | Weight (pounds) | Compactable routers | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incra Mast-R-Lift-II-R Editor's Choice  | 12 x 10 x 9 | 15.2 | Porter Cable 7518, 690-699/890-899 Bosch 1617EVS and 1618 DeWalt DW610 and DW618 Milwaukee 5625, 5615, 5616, 5619 Craftsman 17543, 17540, 28190 Rigid R29302 Makita RF1101 and RD1101 Hitachi M12VC and KM12VC | Check price |
JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 | 13.7 x 11.2 x 12 | 13.69 | Porter Cable 7518, 690, 890 Bosch 1617, 1618 DeWalt DW610, DW616, DW618 Milwaukee 5626, 5615, 5616,5619 Craftsman 17543, 17540, 28190 Rigid R29302 Makita RF1101 Hitachi M12VC, KM12VC | Check price |
Kreg PRS5000 Precision Router Lift | 13.5 x 11 x 10.4 | 10.75 | Porter-Cable 7518. Milwaukee 5625 Porter Cable 690/890 Bosch 1617/1618, Craftsman 17542/17540/28190 DeWalt 618 | Check price |
JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02121 | 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 | 13.52 | Porter Cable 7518, 690, 890 Bosch 1617, 1618 DeWalt DW610, DW616, DW618 Milwaukee 5626, 5615, 5616, 5619 Craftsman 17543, 17540, 28190 Rigid R29302 Makita RF1101 Hitachi M12VC, KM12VC | Check price |
JessEm Rout-R-Lift II Router Lift for 3-1/2 | 13.6 x 11.3 x 10.2 | 8.56 | Porter-Cable 690/890 Bosch 1617/1618 Dewalt 610/618 Craftsman 1754x/28190/ 28084 | Check price |
INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift – Our Top Pick
First on our list is the multi-functional INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift designed for professional routing tasks. The product offers optimum versatility and high level of accuracy for height adjustments on the router. One of the distinct advantages of this router is that you can adjust heights and even change out your router bits above the table.
The INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift has a five-ball bearing system that provides users total control of the router. The lift is lightweight, thus do not add extra weight to the router table. It has a long-lasting protection guarantee as it comes with an auto-protection against dust and other particles that could ruin the lift.However, before you invest on the INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift, be sure it fits into your router table. This is the R-version and not the regular version, and ‘it’s only for Rockler tables. If you ‘don’t own a rockler table then you should be sure it fits on your table before you make a purchase.
Features
- The INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift weighs just 14.2Ibs, making it easier to mount on your router table and also portable
- The router-lift comes with a five sealed ball bearing system that makes it easy for users to adjust the height for greater precision and handling
- A self auto-protect feature that ensures durability
- Accurate thread tensioning system for better height adjustments
- Eliminates friction and vibrations on the router table using the five reducing rings made from steel to flush the lift on the router table and fit perfectly with your router
- Eliminates wobble or shaky table using the cam lock system; once you turn the cam lock to the right, the router lift locks the table instinctively
- Better precision and accuracy
- Functional thread tensioning system
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- Comfortable height adjustments on the table using the seal ball bearing system
- You cannot wholly zero the height gauge
- Not an entry-level router-lift for first-timer users
JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift, 9-1/4-Inch by 11-3/4-Inch—Editor’s Pick
The JessEm Mast-R-Lift II Router Lift is an entry-level router-lift designed for routers looking to own a lift without breaking the bank. It’s no brainer when you find all the fantastic features in a professional router-lift on this product. JessEm made a ground-breaking statement with this product.
First, this router lift comes with a utility cam lock system that locks the lift firmly on the table when you turn the wrench. The sealed bearings also ensure you can easily adjust the height without moving under the table. The sealed bearing protects the lift against dust/work debris, increasing the lifespan of the machine.
The router-lift is made of anodized aluminum. Hence, it’s a lightweight feature that makes it to carry around. The lift is compactable with the most router table and has a fantastic lifespan.
The only draw-back on this one is the absence of a dial indicator for height adjustments and zeroing. Also, the aluminum material is not ferrous and lacks magnetic properties that would render a magnetic outboard mount dial almost useless.Thus, professional artisans looking for cutting-edge route-lifters would have a hard time using this lift. ‘It’s best for handlers who ‘don’t always use a wood router but needs to have a handy one.
Features
- Compact-size design that ‘doesn’t take up a lot of space on your router table
- Designed for swift and easy assembly, you ‘wouldn’t have to spend hours trying to fix the route lift together
- Comes with a pack of leveling screws and a machine for easy assembly
- Works with a superior lock/unlock system. The system works using a one-way lock/unlock mechanism placed on a handy spot on the router lift
- Compact and smooth-styled design for all kinds of workshop
- Superior lock/unlock system placed on a reachable spot
- Two sealed ball bearing mechanism
- Perfect for first-timers on a budget
- Works mostly like a piece of mechanical equipment with lesser precision
- It’s aluminum parts will wear off easily
Kreg PRS5000 Precision Router Lift — Router Lift for Kreg Table
The Kreg precision router lift is a distinct lift for professionals who ‘aren’t ready to sacrifice height adjustments and accuracy on the altar of price. It offers superior precision and height adjustments for all kinds of heavy-duty routing.
The PRS5000 is an upgrade of the PRS3000; with Kreg paying more attention to accuracy and precision. With the new PRS5000, you no longer have to reach under your router table to change out your bits or make height adjustments. The route lift features further improvement on the control of both small and large adjustments compared to the previous version.
The router lift will make a good fit for users looking to upgrade their lift or get a new routing table. If you are also looking at getting a custom router table, you should make sure this route lift fits perfectly without reeling the crank gauge.
All in all, the product offers excellent precision for its standards. ‘It’s not bulky too and ‘wouldn’t take up all the space on an average routing table.
Features
- Made from high-quality aluminum plates for optimum durability
- Spring-assisted lift system for easy and comfortable heights adjustments. You can easily adjust the height of your bits even when there is a material on the plates.
- Lightweight system for easy carriage
- Vibration elimination system
- Cam lock mechanism that holds the lift in place.
- Features an in-built micro-adjust scaling system
- Auto-leveling system for enhanced precision
- Comes with a set of twist lock insert rings for better control and accuracy
- Easy to set up and assemble
- Features a 3-stop auto-leveling system for better height adjustment
- Improved accuracy and precision using the thumbwheel system
- Best for professionals who are looking to seamlessly adjust the height of their bits without any other additional tools
- Compact design that fits into an averagely sized router table
- Eliminates vibrations when in use
- An improved version of the PRS5000 with an in-built micro-adjust scaling system
- Designed for professionals looking to work long hours on their routing table
- Not the perfect fit for big-sized router bits
JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02121 Router Lift, 8-1/4-Inch by 11-3/4-Inch– Best Heavy-Duty Router Lift
If you are into craft equipment from JessEm then you should check out the Mast-R-Lift. This model features a smaller 8-1/4-Inch by the 11-3/4-Inch top plate with a reliable two sealed ball bearings. The model is perfect for heavy-duty routers as it offers seamless rotation and control.
Thus, if you are a heavy user looking for something out of the ordinary, then this model will be an appropriate match. The router offers more accuracy and precision.
What’s more? ‘It’s very durable. You can move it around your workshop with ease. This model works best for professionals or casual users looking for a high-end router lift.
Features
- The in-built locking system, this model comes with an in-built locking system that works above the router table. With the handle for raising and lowering your lift, you can turn to the right to lock the router in place and work for long hours.
- Features a simple adjustable clamp locking mechanism that works best with routers of 8-1/4-inch by the 11-3/4-inch base
- The top plate of this router lift is made of hard-anodized aluminum. This material is specially designed and engineered with high-resistant elements to ensure it ‘doesn’t wear off with rigorous usage.
- Hydraulic aided light shafts for swift height adjustments. The load of the router distributes equally between the shaft mount and the top plate. Thus, the router lift can withstand long hours of robust routing operations.
- Height adjustments and bit changes occur above the table eliminating bench wrenches
- Easily adjust the lift height without moving the entire router
- Quick and easy set up with straightforward instructions
- Can work with plenty of router table options unlike other models
- Smooth and precise lift option
- You will have to count the turns of the height-adjustable handle if you wish to come back to the previous bit position after locking in the bit in a new position
- You may find it difficult to center the router on your table if you have bushings on it
JessEm Rout-R-Lift II Router Lift for 3-1/2″ Diameter Motors – Best Entry-Level Router Lift
JessEm so far has been consistent with their router lift and this product is an evidence of how they consider all levels artisans. If you are fresh into using a router table and want to get your way around the equipment before you bore like a pro, then you should consider getting this piece.
First, this router lift wouldn’t burn your purse when you get one. It’s perfect for those who are still experimenting with a router and not looking to make a long term commitment.
For its price, the JessEm Rout-R-Lift II Router Lift comes with so many amazing features you would find in professional router lifts. It’s made from quality parts which can also rival high-end router lifts. The durability is top-notch as the lift is from robust materials.
However, you should note that the JessEm Rout-R-Lift II Router Lift is only compactable with few routers. It is not a versatile router lift, so do not expect it to work with your router unless specified.
Also, the router lift may go easy on your purse, but there is an extra purchase that would push the entire cost to the high side. Additional parts like rings and side brackets will surely set you back a few dollars. But if you don’t mind, the router lift is a fantastic start. You can upgrade to other sophisticated router lifts when you are buoyant enough.- Quality router lifts with affordable pricing
- A reasonable number of pre-drilled holes on the insert-plate that works with the specified routers
- A functional locking mechanism that holds the router in place for long hours of constant work
- The router lift features an offset wrench that allows you to change your bits without bending under the table.
- Fast and precise height adjustments using the handle
- Not compactable with a wide range of routers
- Lacks some essential parts that would lead to more purchase
Router Lift Buyer’s Guide
If you are a professional craftsman or a beginner with lots of workshop hours working with a router, you should consider getting a router for the following reasons:
Quality Base Plate
To eliminate vibrations that occurs when you use the router for a long time, the router lift has a heavy base plate. The base plate offers extra stability during long routing sessions.
Reduced Stress
A router lift relieves you of always bending under your table for you to reach out and adjust the height of your router. Thus, it saves you time and makes it easier for you to use your router. You can do this using the T-wench found on the base plate of your router lift.
Solid Mount
The right router lift also comes with a solid mount where you can bolt in your router plates. These mounts are pre-drilled to save you the stress of drilling on your own.
Better Precision
A router lift usually comes with a height adjustment mechanism called the ball bearing system. With this mechanism, you can accurately carry out height adjustments. The ball bearing systems are sealed to increase its lifespan.
Factors to Consider When Buying A Router Lift
Before you set out to buy a router lift, you must thoughtfully consider the following factors:
Material Used
The first factor you must thoughtfully consider if you are about to make a long-term commitment on a router lift is the material used in its construction.
Router lifts made from plastics or cheap alloys will break even when using for long routing session. You should look out for router lift made from cast-iron or quality aluminum. The best router lifts for professionals are from steel.
Compatibility with Your Router
Another factor you should verify before you buy a router lift is ‘it’s compatibility with your router. You should check out the specifications and accessories of your router to see the best router lift that would suit it.
When you make the wrong investment and get a lift ‘that’s incompatible with your router, you would experience inconsistencies like vibrations when routing.
Ball-Bearing Mechanism
The ball bearing system is responsible for the precise and stress-free height router height adjustments. You should go for a router lift with this system so you will enjoy smooth height adjustments while routing.
Plunge
Every router lift has a specific plunge size. The plunge is the moveable part of your router fixed unto the router lift. Before you get a router lift, you must be sure the plunge will fit into the lift. Check the technical components of the router carefully.
Height Adjustment System
The two standard height adjustments mechanism on a router lift are the crank handle and the thumbwheel. Before you get a router lift with any of these features, you should check your preference and figure out the one that works best for you.
The Right Adapters
If you have more than one router or may have to change your router at the course of your work, then you should invest in a router lift with multiple insert holes and adapters. Thus, you will avoid buying a new router lift when you change your router.
The Locking System
The locking mechanism of your router lift should be top-notch if you wish to enjoy precise and accurate routing sessions. Look out for router lifts that work with a bolting system or lever locking system.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you make the right choice when you get a router lift, here are some frequently asked questions about router lifts:
Summing It Up
A router lift is a useful addition to the already existing tools in your workshop. A router lift will save you lots of valuable time and enhance the speed and accuracy of your router. In the educative piece above, you will have a list that fits every budget, requirements, and level of usage.
With the various craft manufacturers trying to outdo themselves, we expect new router lifts with enhanced features and new technologies to hit the market soon. We will definitely keep you posted. Let us know what you think about our list in the comment section below.
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